Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

-aster

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 2.81 in modern English

Syllables: -aster
IPA

5

Scrabble Score

5

Letters

2

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

suffix

Used to form diminutive and pejorative nouns, labeling someone pretending to be what they are not.

Example Sentences

"poet + -aster → poetaster (“unskilled poet”)"
"critic + -aster → criticaster (“petty critic”)"
"pillar + -aster → pilaster (“pillar that does not provide support”)"

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin -aster (“little, petty, partial, incomplete”).

Questions

What does -aster mean?: Used to form diminutive and pejorative nouns, labeling someone pretending to be what they are not.
Where does -aster come from?: Learned borrowing from Latin -aster (“little, petty, partial, incomplete”).

How to pronounce -aster

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “-aster”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “-aster”.
Repeat and practice — Say “-aster” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.